If you find an injured bird, here are some steps you can take to help:
-
Carefully put the bird in a cardboard box with a lid or a towel over the top, and place it in a cool, safe place. Birds go into shock very easily when injured, and often die from the shock.
-
Do not try to force feed or give water to the bird. Take the bird outside and open the box every fifteen minutes to see if it is able to fly away. If it is still staying put after a few hours, you can try to find a local wildlife rehabilitator.
-
If the bird has obvious injuries, such as bleeding or a broken wing, you should try to contact a wildlife rehabilitation agency. You can find a list of contacts in your area by searching online or contacting your local Audubon Society.
-
If you have found a chick on the ground, it is almost always best to leave it where it is. When many young birds first fledge and leave the nest, they may still have a little down with short tail and wing feathers. Fledglings often also have weak flight muscles and may be fed for a few days by their parents outside of the nest. This is a vulnerable time for young birds, as they are easy prey for roaming cats and other predators. It is important to keep fledglings safe and to allow the parents to continue feeding them.
Remember, it is always best to contact a wildlife rehabilitator if you are unsure of what to do or if the bird is seriously injured. They have the special equipment and skills to provide the injured bird with proper care.
